Brian Au

Brian Au is a versatile utility trombonist playing both tenor and bass trombone whose musicianship balances technical mastery, stylistic flexibility, and an evident passion for collaboration. An equally comfortable performer anchoring a section from the bass chair, leading as a principal player, or filling any role required of him, Brian has established himself as an adaptable and dedicated artist with a growing presence in the orchestral, wind, and chamber music scenes. Brian’s musical journey began in Henrico County, Virginia, where he first distinguished himself through consistent principal roles in school and district ensembles. During his time at Glen Allen High School, he served as Principal Trombone of the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Wind Symphony, while also contributing to the Marching Jaguars and Jazz Band. His leadership extended beyond performance, as he was named Brass Captain and Trombone/Low Winds Section Leader in 2021. His commitment and artistry were recognized through multiple honors, including membership in the Tri-M Music Honors Society and a victory in the Glen Allen High School Solo and Small Ensemble Competition. That achievement culminated in a featured solo performance of Alexandre Guilmant’s Morceau Symphonique during the school’s 2022 spring concert. Outside of his school ensembles, Brian excelled in broader musical settings. He held the Principal Trombone in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra between 2021 and 2022, reflecting his flexibility across registers and styles. He was also selected for the VBODA District 1 Band and Henrico County Honors Band for six consecutive years, serving as principal in both trombone and bass trombone chairs during his junior and senior seasons. His dedication to ensemble excellence also led to his role as Bass Trombonist in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2022. Brian’s artistry has been recognized on a wider stage as well. In 2025, he was named a semifinalist in the prestigious Southeast Trombone Symposium’s Shires Bass Trombone Excerpts Competition, affirming his skill in navigating some of the repertoire’s most challenging passages. That same year, he performed with the Commonwealth Winds, further broadening his experience in advanced wind ensemble repertoire and professional-level collaboration. His educational path has been shaped by mentorship from leading trombonists and pedagogues. Currently, Brian studies with Joe Maiocco, bass trombonist of the Kansas City Symphony, Dr. Matt Niess and Dr. Jeff Cortazzo of Shenandoah Conservatory. His prior teachers include Dr. Evan Williams—former Principal Trombone of the Richmond Symphony and now Associate Principal Trombone of the National Symphony—and Eden Garza, Bass Trombonist of the Seattle Symphony. From middle school with Todd Tinsley, through high school under Allen Hall, and onward into conservatory training, Brian’s teachers have instilled in him a balance of technical discipline, expressive depth, and professional versatility. Brian’s skill set extends beyond performance. He has developed a strong ability to transpose for missing parts across both Bb and Eb treble clefs, allowing him to seamlessly cover trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, or horn lines when required. This adaptability highlights his commitment to supporting ensembles in any way possible, reinforcing his role not only as a soloist and section leader but also as a dependable utility musician. Academically and professionally, Brian has been recognized by several top-tier music programs. He earned acceptance into the studios of Dr. Andrew Lankford at James Madison University, Dr. Ross Walter at Virginia Commonwealth University, and both Dr. Niess and Dr. Cortazzo at Shenandoah Conservatory. Each of these opportunities reflects the strength of his audition performances and his potential for a successful career in music. Today, Brian continues to grow as a musician through dedicated private study, ensemble work, and competition performance. His goal is to bring artistry and reliability to every musical situation, whether serving as a solid foundation on bass trombone, soaring in lyrical tenor trombone passages, or covering the needs of a section as a skilled utility player. With a foundation of leadership, a proven performance record, and a passion for collaboration, Brian Au establishes himself as a trombonist to watch in the coming years.